Hypancistrus Zebra
 Quick Stats

Scientific Name: Hypancistrus Zebra

Distribution: Brazil - Rio Xingu

Size: 3 to 4"

Common Names: Zebra Plecostomus, Imperial Plecostomus, L046, L098, L173

Temperature: 76 to 80 degrees

pH: 6.5 to 7
photo courtesy of Danny Blundell c/- Scot Cat
General Characteristics

One of the most beautiful and often one of the hardest of the exotic Plecostomus species to find in a pet shop, it is easy to see where the Zebra Pleco gets its common name. With its dramatic pattern of black s tripes on a white background, it is one of the most popular of the smaller Pleco's available. Often touted as being difficult to keep, these fish are not as troublesome as they are sometimes made out to be. Like any fish, they are sensitive to poor water conditions, and do prefer tanks with conditions similar to their natural environment, but that does not mean that they cannot adapt. They are certainly not as forgiving as their larger cousins, but anyone who maintains their tanks in the proper fashion should have no trouble keeping this fish.

Somewhat shy and retiring by nature, the Zebra Pleco is not the idea fish for a tank full of large to medium boisterous cichlids. However, they are a nice addition to tanks containing smaller, more peaceful cichlids, such as those that inhabit similar areas of the Rio Xingu. Being nocturnal by nature, it's like ...

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